Real Madrid will move to the summit of La Liga on Friday if they beat Valencia.
The reigning champions return from their winter break with a trip to the Mestalla, looking to heap further misery on struggling Valencia. Madrid have been notoriously inconsistent on the road this season but will be hoping a fortnight off can help them find more stability on their travels.
Defensive injuries continue to plague Carlo Ancelotti's squad selections and it remains to be seen whether or not issues at the back will be addressed in the January transfer window. However, what Madrid lack in defensive corps, they more than make up for with a plethora of attacking options, including their favorite attacking trio of Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo and Kylian Mbappe.
Here's how Madrid could line up for their first game of 2025.
GK: Thibaut Courtois – The Belgian has conceded seven goals in his last four appearances as he becomes increasingly vulnerable to injury. However, Valencia are averaging less than a goal per game in La Liga this season, meaning Courtois will fancy his chances of a seventh league clean sheet this season.
RB: Lucas Vazquez – Madrid are pushing to sign Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold in January as they find themselves short on the right wing. Vazquez is their only top option at the moment and hardly a commanding figure.
CB: Aurelien Tchouameni – David Alaba is expected to make his long-awaited return in mid-January but Tchouameni are likely to retain their place in the bottom four for now. The midfielder has often been in central defense for Los Blancos.
CB: Antonio Rudiger – The model of consistency for the reigning European champions, Rudiger needed the winter break more than any other Madrid player. He has appeared in all of his team's games this season and will start again on Friday.
LB: Fran Garcia – Ferland Mendy's disappointing form has opened the door for Garcia. The 25-year-old has started three of the last four games and is ready to continue at left-back for Real Madrid's first game of the calendar year.
CM: Federico Valverde – Valverde has scored two goals in his last three appearances and will be tasked with providing the energy in midfield against Valencia. He has also featured in every game for Los Blancos this season.
CM: Edward Camavinga – With Tchouameni dropping into defence, Camavinga will be the deepest midfielder in the engine room. The Frenchman's minutes have been limited this season, but he impressed against Sevilla last time out.
CM: Jude Bellingham – Bellingham's early season woes have been firmly ironed out over the past two months. He has seven goals and five assists for club and country since the start of November.
RW: Rodrygo – The Brazilian continues to be an underrated force for Madrid, with three goals in his last three games. He will be eager to punish a struggling Valencia defense on Friday night.
ST: Kylian Mbappe – Mbappe endured a difficult start to his career at the Santiago Bernabeu but has made progress in recent weeks. Five goals in his last six games have taken his tally to ten goals League this term.
LW: Vinicius Junior – Real Madrid did not lose the winger against Sevilla after winning four goals, but they will be heavily relieved to welcome him back from suspension on Friday. He has scored eight in 11 games with Valencia previously.